Coal cubing machine



July 9,1935. D. A. ROW

COAL CUBING MACHINE Filed Ma 25, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 3maentor; 3 flqN/EL 6. E0 W;

. .8m; attorney July 9, 1935. D. A. ROW

COAL CUBING MACHINE Filed May 25,. 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Cittomeg July 9, 1935.

D A RQW 2,007,771

COAL CUBING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 75 5 4 7 Z 4 44 47' as 7/ 72 74 c F as 72 a a Z 73 I 47' 72b V 43' a 4 j 4 l 72 7 I 44 u i n 70 7/ h 68 sw g v Zmnentor; I .Dqnl/sz. L7. few: 31; I

Gttorneg Patented July 9, 1935 UNITED STATES atoms,

PATENT OFFICE 7, Claims.

One of the objects of my invention is the proviof a machine which will operate efficiently without the use of chain drives, or cams, such as are used on other machines which areused for this purpose.

Another object of my invention is the use of air or liquid as means for operating the cube formingmembers.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a machine which, when once started, and the mixtures properly adjusted, will be entirely automatic in its operations, regardless of the length of time that it is in operation.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will suggest themselves in the course of the following description, and that which is new will be correlated in the appended claims.

The most satisfactory manner of carrying out the principles of my invention in a practical, economical, comprehensive and eificient manner is shown in the accompanying three sheets of drawings, in which'- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my machine.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Figure 3 is a top plan View of the horizontally positioned cylinders; as taken from the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a front elevation of my machine, with the conveyor detached therefrom.

Figure 5 is a detail elevation of one of the controlling valves.

Figure 6 is a top plan View of one of the controlling valves with its cover removed.

Figure '7 is a cross section through one of the controlling valves taken on line 'l-'! of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a cross section through one of the controlling valves taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a detail View of the under side of one of the controlling valve discs.

Figure 10 is a detail view of one of the controlling valve shafts.

Figure 11 is a central vertical section through one of the vertical compound cylinders, as taken on line H-ll of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a central longitudinal section through one of the horizontal compound cylinders, as taken on the line I2-l2 of Figure 1.

Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 1'7, 18, 19, and 2lvare sections through the cube forming members, and showing the various positions which these members assume in the operation of my machine.

Figure 22 is an isometric view of one of the cubes.

Similar indices indicate like parts throughout the several views.

In order that the construction, the operation, and the advantages of my invention may be more .fully understood and appreciated, I will now take up a detailed description thereof, in which I will set forth the same as fully and as comprehensively as I may.

In the drawings, letter A denotes an electric motor having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom at each side, and to which electric current is supplied through the Wires A and A. B denotes an air compressing unit which has a shaft extending outwardly therefrom at each side, one end of said shaft having a flywheel secured thereto and the opposite end having a pulley secured thereto. The compressing unit being operated by a belt C, or other suitable means, extending from a pulley secured to one end of the projecting motor shaft, forces air into the air storage tank D through the conduit E. F is a gear reduction unithaving a horizontally extending shaft and a vertically extending shaft,'the horizontally extending shaft being connected to the motor shaft bya flanged coupling G. H denotes a feed pipe through which coal slack or the like is conducted from a bin (not shown) to the mixer of the machine. I denotes a water conducting pipe which extends from a supply line to the mixer. The pipe I extends'horizontally across the top portion of the mixer, and has its lower surface perforated for the outlet of the water into the mixer,

the water supply to the mixer being controlled horizontally and substantially the full length single unit when assembled.

The numeral 25 denotes the mixing trough which is preferably made of sheet metal and has a curved or semi-circular shaped bottom 25', the rear end of the mixing trough being closed and the forward end of same being open. The bottom portion 25 rests on the angular-shaped cross members Hi, ii, l8, l9 and 20 of the frame structure. At the upper edges of the mixing trough 25, and welded thereto, are the angle clip members 25", which are bolted, riveted, or welded to the vertical an ular-shaped frame members 6, I, 3 and 9, and thereby rigidly securing the mixing trough 25 to the frame members.

Extending vertically from the speed reduction unit F is the shaft 25 which terminates at its upper end in the gear reduction unit 21. The gear reduction unit 21 being rigidly secured to the angular-shaped frame member 24 by the two bolts 21. Resting on and secured to the upper surfaces of the angular-shaped frame members 22 and 23 are the bearing blocks 28 and 29 respectively, the bearing blocks 28 and 29 being secured to the frame members 22 and 23 by the bolts 28 and 29 respectively. Extending horizontally from the gear reduction unit 21, through the bearing block 28, through the mixer trough 25, and through the bearing block 29 is the shaft 351. The end portions of the shaft are turned down to a smaller diameter than the central portion of the shaft, thereby preventing end motions of the shaft through the bearing blocks 28 and 29. Clamped to the shaft 39 throughout its extent between the bearing blocks 28 and 29 are the mixing blades 3|, said blades being held rigidly to the shaft 38 by the bolts 32. The outer portions of the mixing blades 3! are disposed at an angle in relation to their line of travel, thereby advancing the material being mixed toward the open or front end of the mixer trough. The alternate mixing blades 3! being secured to the shaft 30 so that they are in alignment with each other, and the intermediate blades 3| are at right angles thereto. All of the blades 3| are secured in position with relation to each other by means of keys and keyways in the usual manner.

The numeral 33 denotes a hopper for receiving the mineral binder which is mixed with the coal slack or the like. The hopper 33 is preferably made of sheet metal and is comprised of the two ends 33 and 33 and the two side members 33 and 33 The end members-33 and 33' being cut angular-shaped near their lower edges and the side members 33 and 33 formed to conform to the contour of the end members 33 and 33 and the end and side membersbeing'welded together. Located near the lower edge of the side member 33 is a longitudinal slot through which the slidable member 33 is located. The member 33' is preferably made of sheet metal with one edge of the same formed into the roll 33". The hopper 33 is rigidly secured to the vertical angular-shaped frame members 9 and i with bolts, rivets, or by welding.

The numeral 34 denotes a hopper, preferably made of sheet metal, for receiving the mixed material from the mixer 25, and is comprised of the end members 34' and the front and rear side mem bers 35 and 36 respectively. The end members 34 .are cut angular shaped as shown in Figure 1. The

front side member 35 being formed to fit the contour of the front edges of the end members 34', said front side member 35 extending upwardly from the lower edges of the members 34 to the upper edges of the frame members 3. The rear side member 36 extends, upwardly from the lower rear edges of the end members 34' to the under side of the mixer trough. The end members 34 and the front and rear side members 35 and 36 respectively are preferably welded together. The hopper 34 is secured at its upper end portions to the frame members 3 by means of bolts, rivets, or by welding.

The numeral 3! denotes the member in which the cubes are pressed. The member 3'! is preferably of cast material with its major portion extending downwardly and having a plurality of apertures 31' formed vertically therethrough. Located at the forward edge of the member 3? is the concave surface 31" which is formed thusiy to accommodate a conveyor. The upper portion of the member 31 extends rearwardly from the forward edge to the vertical frame member 6 and is supported at its edges by the frame members 2, and is also supported by the cross frame members i 3 and I4, and is secured thereto by means of a plurality of cap screws which are inserted from the underside of the horizontal portions of the members 13' and I4.

The numeral 38 denotes the material carrying member which is preferably made of cast iron or the like, and is of substantially the same width as the member 37 on which it is slidably mounted. Projecting forwardly and then upwardly from the main portion thereof is the portion 33, the pur pose of which will be hereinafter explained. At the rear end of the member 38, and formed integral therewith, is the downwardly disposed portion 38 which extends downwardly from the upper surface of the member 38 to near the upper surface of the member 31. Formed integrally with the portion 38" are the two bosses 33 and 35 having apertures formed therethrough, and the purpose of which will be hereinafter explained. The ember 38 has the aperture formed ver tically therethrough, and said aperture is of sufficient length to coincide with the outer edges of the apertures 31' of the member 3!. The aperture 38 is for the purpose of conveying the mixed material from the hopper 34 to the apertures 37 of the members 31, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. Located at the lower portions of the sides of the member 33 are the outwardly extending portions 38 The member 38 is guided in its forward and rearward movements by the two angular-shaped members 42!, each being secured, through its downwardly disposed leg, by the cap screws 40 to the sides of the member 31. The horizontally disposed legs of the members 40 extend inwardly over the extending portions 38 of the member 38, and thereby forming guides for the member 38 in its forward and rearward movements.

Slidably located in each of the apertures 3i" are the plungers 4i, whose outer peripheries conform to the shape of the apertures 31'. The plungers 4i have flat upper surfaces, and each plunger has a boss on its lower side with a threaded aperture formed therein and which extends upwardly into the plunger. Threaded into the threaded apertures of the plungers 41 are the plunger rods 42 which extend downwardly therefrom and through the channel-shaped member 45. The plunger rods 42 are rigidly held in the plungers by their threaded portions and secured therein by the lock nuts 43, and are held rigidly in the channel-shaped member 45 by the lock nuts 44. I

Extending horizontally between the frame members I is the channel-shaped member 45 Washer 48'.

ends to the frame memone wil1 suifice for the other, a central vertical section of the same being shown in Figure 11. Extending downwardly from the channel-shaped member 45 is the piston rod 41 which is threaded at bothits upper and lower ends and having its upper end secured in said channel-shaped member 45 by means of the lock nuts 58. Said piston rod 41 extends downwardly through the bushing 48, the gasket 48 and the cylinder head 48 and terminates inside the cylinder The upper portion of my vertical compound cylinder is comprised of the cylinder heads 48 and 52 spaced apart by the cylinder casing 5| and the washers 48 and 52 Secured to the lower end of the piston rod are the cupper leather washers 49 separated by a metal washer plate 58. Each of the leather washers has a metal washer plate 5!) inside its cupped portion and against which the clamping nuts are tightened. The cylinder head 48 has an aperture 48 formed therethrough, said aperture 48 being threaded at its outer terminal for the reception of a threaded conduit. The cylinder head 48 also has an aperture centrally located therein which is threaded for the reception of the threaded portion of the bushing 48 which is threaded or tightened against the composition The cylinder head 52 is similar to the cylinder head 48 except that it has no aperture therethrough for the reception of a piston rod. .The'cylinder head 52 having an aperture thereto, 1. e., the piston rod 49 enters the cylinder through the lower cylinder head 55 instead of the upper, the cylinder heads 53 and 55 having the apertures 53' and 55 respectively, similar to the apertures 48' and 52 of the cylinder heads 48 and 52 respectively. The piston rod 49 extends downwardly from inside the cylinder 54, through the centrally located aperture inthecylinder head 55, through the aperture inthe gasket 55 thence through the bushing 55, with its lower end being threaded andextending through an aperture in the channel-shaped member 46, and is rigidly secured therethrough by the lock nuts 59. The members 48, 48, 5|, 52,.52 53, 53 54, 55 and 55 are held in clamped relation with each other by means of the four rod-like bolts 60 and the nuts 6! Said rod-like bolts 68 extending through apertures formed for their reception through the cured through the member 38" by the lock nuts I l.

Extending horizontally between the member l6 and the downwardly disposed portion 38 of the member 38 are the horizontally disposed compound cylinders, and being identical with relalongitudinal section of the same being shown in Figure 12.

Referring now to Figure 12, the piston rod 62 extends rearwardly from the member 38 through the bushing 63, the gasket 63 and the cylinder head 63, and terminates insides the cylinder 64. The forward portionof my horizontal compound cylinder is comprised of the cylinder heads 63 and 61 spaced apart by the cylinder casing 64 and the washers 63 and 61 Secured to the rear end of the piston rod 62 are the cupped leather washers 65, the same being spaced apart by a metal plate 65. Each of the leather washers has a metal washer plate 66 inside its cupped portion, and against which the clamping nuts 52 are tightened. The cylinder head 63 has an aperture 63' formed therethrough, said aperture 63 being threaded at'its outer terminal for the reception of a threaded conduit. The cylinder head 63 also has an aperture centrally located therein which is threaded for the reception of the threaded portion of the bushing 63, and which is tightened against the composition washer 63 The cyliner head 61 is similar to the cylinder head 63 except that it has no centrally located aperture therethrough for the reception of a piston rod. The cylinder head 61 having an aperture 61 formed therethrough, and which is threaded at its outer terminal for the reception of athreaded conduit. v

The rearward portion of my horizontal ,compound cylinder is similar in construction to the forward portion, except that the members there of are reversed in relation thereto, i. e., the piston rod 13 enters the cylinder through the rear cylinder head I2 instead of the forward end, the cylinder heads 68 and 12 having the apertures 68 and 12 respectively, similar to the apertures 63' and 67' of the cylinder heads 63 and 6! respectively. The piston rod extends rearwardly from inside the cylinder H, through an aperture in the cylinder head 12, through an aperture in the gasket 12*, thence through the bushing 12, with its rear end being threaded, and extending through an aperture in the channel-shaped member 16, and is rigidly secured therethrough by the lock nuts 18. The members 63, 63 64, 51, 67

68, 68*. I I, I2 and 12 are held in clamped relation with each other by means of the four rod-like bolts 14, and the nuts 75. Said rod-like bolts 14 extending through apertures formed for their reception through the cylinder heads 63, 61, 68 and I2.

The operations of my compound cylinders are controlled by the valves 19, 80, 8|, B2, 83, 84, 85 and 86. The valves being identical in construction with relation to each other, the description of one will sufiice for the others, the construction thereof being shown in detail by Figures 5, 6, '7, 8, 9 and of the drawings.

My valve is comprised of the main body member 8? having a centrally located aperture 88, whose portion, 88 being of greater diameter than its lower portion, extending vertically therethrough and terminating at its lower end through the downwardly disposed portion 89, said portion 89 'nally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded inlet conduit. Extending horizontally and outwardly from the aperture 88' is the exhaust outlet passage 93 and terminating through the outwardly projecting portion 94 which is internally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded conduit, if desired.

The main body member 81 has a central portion 81 which has a flat top and whose periphery is circular in shape. Extending downwardly through the upper surface of the portion 81 is the passage 95 which extends downwardly and outwardly, terminating through the outwardly projecting portion 98 which is internally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded conduit, also extending downwardly through the portion 81 is the passage 9! which extends down.- Wardly therefrom, and then outwardly and terminates through the outwardly projecting portion 93 which like the portions 92, 94 and 96, is internally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded conduit. Projecting upwardly through the aperture 88 and its enlarged portion 88' is the shaft 99. The shaft 95 has an aperture through its upper portion in which the pin I is secured, the pin I00 extends outwardly at each side of the shaft 99. The shaft 99 also has an aperture I81 through its lower portion. for the reception of a rivet I02. On the lower end of the shaft 99 is the miter gear I83 and is secured thereto by the said rivet I02. Resting on the upper surface of the portion 81 is the disc !04, (the under side of which is shown in Figure 9). The disc I84 having an aperture I05 therethrough which registers with the upper ends or the passages 95 and 9i when rotated by the pin I08 carried by the shaft 99. On the under side of the disc 04 is the aperture I08, the innermost portion of which registers with the aperture 88' of the main body member 81, and the outer portion of which is greatly enlarged with relation to the inner portion, and when being rotated, registers with the apertures formed by the passages 95 and 91. Extending outwardly from the inner portion of the aperture I06 are the channeled slots I0I which are adapted to receive the projecting portions of the pin I00 The aperture I08 and the channeled slots extend substantially half way through the disc I04. The cap portion I08 of my valve is circular in shape and registers with the periphery of the portion 81. Said cap member I08 having outwardly extending lugs I08 and which have apertures formed vertically therethrough for the reception of the bolts IIO which extend downwardly therethrough and extend downwardly through similar apertures formed in the lugs 8! which are formed integrally with the main body portion 87. A gasket I89 is provided for sealing the joint between the main body member and the cap member I08 when the nuts I I0 are turned onto the bolts I I0.

My valves are supported by and secured to the pedestals III by means of the cap screws II2 which are inserted from the under side of the same through apertures provided therefor. The cap screws I I2 are threaded into internally threaded apertures in the main body portion 81.

The pedestals III are secured to the channelshaped member I I 3 by means of the bolts II4.

Extending forwardly and horizontally from the shaft coupling H5 is the shaft II6 which is sup- Ported y the bearing brackets Ill. The bearing brackets III are secured to the channelshaped member 3 by the bolts H8. Secured to the shaft II6 are the miter gears H9 by th pins or rivets I28. The miter gears II9 mesh with the similar miter gears I03.

The members 96 of the valves I9 and 80 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 55'by the flexible conduits I2I and I22 respectively. The members 96 of the valves BI and 82 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 48 by the flexible conduits I23 and I24 respectively. The membars 96 of the valves 83 and 84 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 63 by the flexible conduits I25 and I28 respectively. The members 96 of the valves 85 and 85 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads I2 by the flexible conduits I21 and I28 respectively. The members 98 of the valves I9 and 80 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 53 by the flexible conduits I29 and I30 respectively. The members 98 of the valves SI and 82 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 52 by the flexible conduits I3I and I32 respectively. The members 98 of the valves 83 and 04 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads I37 by the flexible conduits I33 and I34 respectively. The members 98 of the valves 85 and 86 are connected with the threaded apertures of the cylinder heads 68 by the flexible conduits 35 and I36 respectively. The conduit I3! is connected with the upper portion of the storage tank D, and is also connected with the members 92 of the valves by conduits I 38.

The operation of my invention is substantially as fclows: Coal slack, or the like, is admitted into the rear end of the mixer 25 through the feed pipe H from a bin or other suitable container. Pulverized binding compound is admitted into the mixer 25 from the hopper 33 through a slot formed by adjusting the slide 33, and water is admitted into the mixer 25 through perforations in the pipe I, the volume of water being admitted is controlled by the valve I.

The electric motor A drives the air compressor B by means of the belt C, and thereby forces compressed air into the storage tank D through the conduit E. The compressed air is then admitted, through the conduits I31 and I38 respectively, to the passages 9I of the valves, and then into the space formed by the caps I08.

The electric motor A, rotating its shaft, and said shaft being secured to the flanged coupling G, rotates the horizontal shaft of the reduction unit F, and the reduction unit in turn rotates the vertically extending shaft 26. The vertically extending shaft 28 rotates the worm gear in the reduction unit 21, and the worm gear rotates the worm wheel which is secured to the rear portion of the horizontal mixer shaft 38, and thereby rotates the mixer blades 3I in the mixer 25.

As the coal slack, or the like, is admitted from the feed pipe H into the mixer 25 it is carried forwardly by the rotating blades 3I. The pulverized binding compound enters the mixer 25 from the hopper 33, and is mixed with the coal slack. As this mixture is being'carried forwardly, water is admitted into the mixer from the pipe I and is mixed therewith, and as the mixture continues to be carried forwardly through the mixer 25, the coal slack, binding mineral, and water become thoroughly mixed. The mixture is carried to the'forward end of the mixer 25 from where it enters the hopper 34.

The aperture 38, of the member 38, registers with the lower opening of the hopper 34, as shown in Figure 13, and becomes filled with the mixture from the hopper 34. When, the member 38 is in the position as shown in Figure 13, the plungers 4| are in the position as shown in Figure 13 also. Likewise, the pistons of ,the vertical and horizontal compound cylinders are in the positions as shown in Figures 11 and 12 respectively.

The shaft I96, being connected at its rear end to the coupling H5, is rotated by the motor K through the coupling M and the reduction'unit L, The miter gears H9, being secured to the shaft II Ii and rotated thereby, mesh with their respective miter gears I113. The miter gears 2% being secured to their respective shafts as by means of the pins or rivets IE!2,,rotate said shafts 99, which in turn, rotate the discs I536 by means of the outwardly projecting pins I88. The positions of the apertures 35 of the discs I64, with relation to each other, are predetermined, and the discs are rotated synchronously, thereby causing the compound cylinders to operate the members "38 and M to predetermined positions.

Assuming that the machine is in operation, the members 38 and iI being in the positions as shown in Figure 13, and the compound cylinders being in the positions as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the discs 934 of the valves 83 and 84 rotate, bringing the apertures H35 into register with their respective passages 51, thereby permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 .to pass therethrough and into the passages 91, and into the respective flexible conduits I33 and I35. At substantially the same time that the apertures I come into register with the passages 31, the respective apertures I88 come into register with the respective passages 95. The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I33 and I34, enters the respective apertures 51', of the cylinder heads 57, and passing therethrough into the cylinders 34, forces the piston rods 62 forwardly. As the pistons move forwardly, the air which was in the forward ends of the cylinders 64 is forced outwardly through the apertures 63, of the cylinder heads 63, through the flexible conduits I25 and I25, through the passages 95 and upwardly into the apertures I06 of the valves 83 and 84 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88and outwardly through the'passages 93. As the-pistons are forced forwardly,

they being secured to the member 38, force the said member 38 forwardly to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 14, the portion 38 of the member 33 coming in contact with the previously formed coal cubes X, and sliding them forwardly from the upper surfaces of the members M. i

After the apertures I05 and IE6, of the valves 83 and t4, have rotated out of register with their respective passages 91 and 95, the apertures I05 and m6, of the valves BI and 82 rotate into register with their respective passages 95 and 9?, the apertures 35 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 95, thence into the flexible conduits I23 and I24. The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I23 and I24, enters the respective apertures 48', of the cylinder heads 48, passing therethrough andinto the cylinders 5I, and forcing the pistons downwardly. As the pistons move downwardly, the air which was contained in the lower portion of the cylinders 5I is forced outwardly through the aper tures 52' of the'cylinder heads '52, through the respective flexible conduits I3I and I32, through the respective passages 91,-and upwardly into the apertures I06 of'the valves Bland 82 respectively,

thence downwardly through the apertures 88 and outwardly through the passages 93. As the. pistons are forced downwardly, they being secured by the piston rods 41 through the movable channel-shapedmember d5, cause the plungers M to move downwardly to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 15.

After the apertures I55 and IE5, of thejvalves 8| and 82 have rotated out of register with their respective passages 95 and 91, the apertures M5 and IE5 of the valves 85 and 86 rotate into register with their respective passages 91 and 95, the respective apertures E05 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 91, thence into the flexible conduits I35 and I35. The com pressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits 35 and E35, enters the respective apertures E8, of the cylinder heads 68, passing therethrough and into the cylinders II, forcing the horizontal cylinders forwardly, said horizontal cylinders beingslidably mounted on the piston rods I3 which are secured at their rear ends through the stationary channel-shaped member I6. As the horizontal cylinders move forwardly, the air which was contained in the rear portions of the cylinders I I is forced outwardly through the apertures I2, of the cylinder heads 12, through the respective flexible conduits I2? and H8, through the respective passages 35, and upwardly into the apertures I96 of the valves 85 and 83 respectively, thence downwardly through the aper-' tures 8B and outwardly through the passages 93. As the horizontal cylinders are forced forwardly, they being secured, by the forward ends of the piston rods 52, through the portion 38" of the member 38, force the member 733 forwardly to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 16. When the member 38 stops at the predetermined position, as shown in Figure 16, the aperture 38 is in register with the apertures 37 of the'member 31', and the mixture contained in the aperture 38 falls into the apertures 31', as shown in Figure 16.

After the apertures I35 and I65, of the valves 85-and 86, have rotated out of register with their respective passages 91 and 95, the apertures I05 and I65 of .the valves l9 and 85 rotate into rege ister with their respective passages 55 and Si,

the respective apertures IE5 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 95, thence into the flexible conduits l2i and H22. The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I2l and I22, enters the respective apertures 55 of the cylinder heads 55, passing therethrough and into the cylinders 5i, forcing the vertical cylinders downwardly, said vertical cylinders being slidably mounted on the piston rods 49 which are secured at their lower ends through the stationary channel-shaped member 16. As the vertical cylinders move downwardly, the air which was contained in the upper portions of the cylinders 54 is forced outwardly through the apertures 53 of the cylinder heads 53, through the respective flexible conduits E29 and I35, through the respective passages 9i, and upwardly into the apertures lot of the valves it and 89 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88 and outwardly through the passages 93. As the vertical cylinders are forced downwardly, they being secured to the channelshaped member Q5 by the upper ends of the piston rods ii, cause the plungers ii to move downwardly to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 17.

After the apertures I05 and I06, of the valves 19 and 80, have rotated out of register with their respective passages 95 and 91, the apertures I05 and I06 of the valves 85 and 86 rotate into reg ister with their respective passages 95 and 91, the respective apertures I05 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 85, thence into the flexible conduits I21 and I28. The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I11 and I28, enters the respective apertures 12, of the cylinder heads 12, passing therethrough and into-the cylinders II, forcing the horizontal cylinders rearwardly, said hori-' zontal cylinders being slidably mounted on the piston rods 13 which are secured at their rear ends through the stationary channel-shaped member 16. As the horizontal cylindersmov'e rearwardly, the air which was contained in the forward portions of the cylinders 1| is forced outwardly through the apertures 68, of the cylinder heads 68, through the flexible conduits I35, and I36, through the respective passages 91, and upwardly into the apertures I06 of the valves 85 and 86 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88' and outwardly through the passages 93. As the horizontal cylinders are forced rearwardly, they being secured by the forward ends of the piston rods 62 to the portion 38 of the member 38, causing the member 38 to move rearwardly to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 18.

After the apertures I05 and I06, of the valves 85 and 86, rotate out of register with their respective passages 95 and 91, the apertures I65 and I 06 of the valves 8| and 82 rotate into register with their respective passages 91 and 95, the respective apertures I05 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits to pass therethrough and into the passages 91, thence into the flexible conduits I3I and I32; The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I3! and I32, enters the respective apertures 52', of

the cylinder heads 52; passing ,therethrough and into the cylinders 5|, forcing the vertical piston rods 41 upwardly, said piston rods 41 being secured through the movable channel-shaped member 45, and causing the plungers M to move upwardly, as shown in Figure 19, and compressing the mixture contained in the apertures 31 be: tween the bottom surface of the member 38 and the upper surfaces of the plungers 4I. As the piston rods 41 move upwardly, the air which was contained in the upper portions of the cylinders 5| is forced outwardlythrough the apertures 48' of the cylinder heads 48-, through the flexible conduits I23 and I24, through the respective passages 95', and upwardly into the apertures I06 of the valves 8| and 82 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88' and outwardly through the passages 93. g

I After the apertures I05 and I06, of the valves 8| and 82, have rotated out or register with their respective passages 91 and 95, the apertures I05 and I06 of the valves 83 and 84 rotate into register with their respective passages 95 and 91-, the respective apertures I05 permitting cornpre'sse'd air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 95, thence into the flexible conduits I25 and I26. The com: pressed air, being forced through therflexible conduits I25 and I26, enters the respective apertures 63 of the cylinder heads 63, passing therethrough, and into the cylinders 64, and forcing the horizontal piston rods rearwardly, said piston rods 62 being secured through the portion 38 of the member 38, and causing the member 38 to move to the predetermined position as shown in Figure 20. As the piston rods 62 move rearwardly, the air which was contained in the rear portions of the cylinders 63 is forced outwardly through the apertures 61' of the cylinder heads 61, through the respective flexible conduits I33 and I34, through the respective passages 51, and upwardly into the apertures I36 of the valves 83 and 84 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88', and outwardly through the passages 93.

After the apertures I85 and I35, of the valves 83 and 84, have rotated out of register with their respective passages 95 and 91, the apertures I05 and I06, of the valves 18 and 80, rotate into register with their repective passages 01 and 95, the respective apertures I05 permitting compressed air from the respective conduits I38 to pass therethrough and into the passages 91, thence into the respective flexible conduits I29 and I30. The compressed air, being forced through the flexible conduits I29 and I30, enters the respective apertures 53 of the cylinder heads 53, passing therethrough and into the cylinders 54, forcing the vertical cylinders upwardly, said vertical cylinders being slidably mounted on the piston rods 49 which are secured at their lower ends through the stationary channel-shaped member 46. As the vertical cylinders move upwardly, the air which was contained in the lower portions of the cylinders 54 is forced outwardly through the apertures 55, of the cylinder heads 55, through the respective flexible conduits I2I and I22, through the respective passages 95, and upwardly into the apertures IE6 of the valves 58 and 80 respectively, thence downwardly through the apertures 88, and outwardly through the passages 93. As the vertical cylinders move upwardly, they being secured by the upper ends of the piston rods 41, through the movable channel shaped member 45, cause the plungers 4i to move upwardly to the position as shown in Figure 21-.

The above description of the operations of the various members completes one complete revolu tion of my coal cubing mechanism.

It should be observed that in the continued operation of my coal cubing machine, the above cycle of operation is repeated, and the operations of the various parts are automatically con trolled, after being started.

I desire that it be understood that my machine may be operated by liquid as well and efficiently as with air, the only changes necessary being the replacement of the air compressing unit with a liquid pump. V

I also desire that it be understood that minor changes may be made in the several details, and in the arrangement of the parts herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of my invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof which are new and useful, and which involve invention.

Having now fully shown and described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. A coal cubing machine comprising a frame, a mixertrough, a hopper positioned at one end of said mixer trough, a slidable mixture carrying member having a vertically disposed aperture formed 'therethrough, said mixture carrying member being positioned below said hopper and being horizontally slidable forwardly and rearwardly, a moulding member having a plurality of vertically disposed apertures therethrough, plungers slidably located in said vertically disposed apertures, means for imparting an intermittent sliding movement to the mixture carrying member, means for imparting an intermittent vertical movement to said slidable plungers, and means for automatically controlling the intermittent movements of the horizontally slidable mixture carrying member and the vertically slidable plungers.

2. In a coal cubing machine having a frame, the combination of a horizontally slidable member having a mixture carrying aperture formed vertically therethrough, said horizontally slidable member having a forwardly extending portion formed integral with the lower portion there-- of, means for intermittently sliding said horizontally slidable member to predetermined positions, a stationary member having vertically disposed apertures formed therethrough the upper ends of which are adapted to be closed by the forwardly extending portion of the horizontally slidable member, slidable plungers located in the vertically disposed apertures of the stationary member, means for intermittently moving the plungers to predetermined positions, said means for controlling said intermittent movements comprising a plurality of cylinders each having slidable pistons located therein, each of said cylinders being slidably mounted on a second pis-' ton, and the piston rod of said second piston being secured to a stationary member of said frame.

3. In a coal cubing machine, the combination of a member having apertures formed therethrough and providing moulds therein, plungers adapted to slide vertically in said apertures, a second member adapted to slide forwardly and rearwardly on the first mentioned member, said second member having a vertically disposed aperture formed therethrough and having a vertically disposed portion formed integral with its forward edge and a downwardly disposed portion formed integral with its rear edge, and means provided to guide the second member in its forward and rearward movements.

4'. In combination with a coal cubing machine having a mixing trough, a hopper adapted to receive material from one end of the mixing trough and having an elongated aperture in its lower portion, a horizontally slidable member, means for sliding said slidable member to predetermined positions, a member having a horizontally extending portion and a downwardly extending portion, said downwardly extending portion having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, plungers adapted to move vertically within said apertures, means for moving said plungers to predetermined positions within said apertures, and means for controlling the sequence of the movements of the plungers and of the horizontally slidable member.

5. In combination with a coal cubing machine,

compound cylinders adapted to impart an intermittent motion to vertically sliding plungers, each of said compound cylinders comprising a pair of cylinders held in clamped relation with each other, each having a head member at both ends thereof, each of said head members having an aperture formed therethrough and adapted to have a conduit secured thereto, one head member of each cylinder having an aperture formed therethrough for the reception'of a slidable piston rod, said piston rod of one cylinder being oppositely disposed with relation to the piston rod of the other cylinder, one of said piston rods being indirectly connected with movable plungers at its outer end, the other piston rod secured to a stationary member of the frame, the first piston rod being adapted to slide inwardly and outwardly with relation to its respective cylinder said horizontally slidable member, each of said compound cylinders comprising a pair of cylinders having a pair of cylinder heads secured thereon, each of said cylinder heads having an aperture formed therethrough and adapted to have a conduit secured thereinto, one cylinder head of each pair having an aperture formed therethrough and adapted to receive a piston rod, said piston rods being oppositely disposed with relation to each other, one of said piston rods being secured to the horizontally slidable member, the other piston rod being secured to a stationary member of the frame, the first piston rod being adapted to slide inwardly and outwardly with relation to its respective cylinder, the second cylinder being adapted to slide on its respective piston rod, and means for automatically controlling the motions of the pistons and cylinders, all substantially as shown and described.

7. In a coal cubing machine, means for controlling the movements of the cube forming members thereof, said means comprising a plurality of compound cylinders, each of said compound cylinders comprising a pair of cylinders having head members secured thereon, each of said cylinders having a piston with a piston rod secured thereto, said piston rods being oppositely disposed with relation to each other and the outer end of each piston rod extending outwardly through a respective cylinder head, the outer end of one piston rod being secured to a movable cube forming member and the outer end of the oppositely disposed piston rod being secured to a stationary frame member, all substantially as shown and described.

' DANIEL A. ROW. 

